This workshop explores creative reuse of marine debris through functional and experimental making. Participants will work with reclaimed materials, including recycled plastic, oyster bags, and rope, to create baskets, bags, boxes, and extruded plastic forms. Through guided demonstrations and open experimentation, you'll learn simple techniques for weaving bungee cords, extruding plastic into new shapes, and transforming aquaculture bags into durable sewn or constructed objects. The workshop also invites conversation about marine material lifecycles and how waste from working waterfronts can be reimagined as a resource for creative and practical use.

All levels welcome; all materials provided.

Family Friendly | This workshop is open to all ages. Children are welcome to participate with the supervision of an adult—a great opportunity to make and learn together.

Lydia Burnet is the Maine Sea Grant Marine Debris Intern at Haystack. She holds a BA in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic, where her research focused on microplastic ingestion in seabirds and marine debris accumulation on remote islands in Maine. Lydia is excited to be exploring creative approaches to recycling marine plastics and to reimagine this waste as a valuable material resource.

Registration Opens February 23